Presented by AIGA and Designpreneurs Hackathon
Co-hosted by AIGA and
Designpreneurs Hackathon
Sponsored by
WHAT IS CIVIC BY DESIGN
Every city is built by the people who imagine it. What can you imagine?
Every city is built by the people who imagine it. What can you imagine?
Designpreneurs and AIGA are joining forces to give designers a space to respond to a real-world challenge, work in interdisciplinary teams, and pitch a real idea to an expert jury. The 2026 Civic by Design Hackathon is a chance to work on a real challenge from the NYC Office of Technology & Innovation, not a hypothetical brief. No engineering background required.
Civic by Design is open to everyone. Join free technology and innovation workshops, take on the online or in-person challenges, or do both! The online Figma Challenge doubles as your application for the hackathon, and the Top 51 selected advance to the in-person event at Parsons, with a real chance at piloting their solution in New York City.
Whether you're building your first portfolio piece or just here to win, there's $30,000+ in prizes on the line for the teams that show out.
Designpreneurs and AIGA are joining forces to give designers a space to respond to a real-world challenge, work in interdisciplinary teams, and pitch a real idea to an expert jury. The 2026 Civic by Design Hackathon is a chance to work on a real challenge from the NYC Office of Technology & Innovation, not a hypothetical brief. No engineering background required.
Civic by Design is open to everyone. Join free technology and innovation workshops, take on the online or in-person challenges, or do both! The online Figma Challenge doubles as your application for the hackathon, and the Top 51 selected advance to the in-person event at Parsons, with a real chance at piloting their solution in New York City.
Whether you're building your first portfolio piece or just here to win, there's $30,000+ in prizes on the line for the teams that show out.
HOW IT WORKS
Join One, or Join Them All
Join One, or Join Them All
No matter where you're based, the online workshops and Figma Challenge are open to you. Take on the Challenge for the experience, or make it your shot at one of 51 spots at the Hackathon in Parsons this November.
Mix and match: every step is optional, so join whichever ones fit you.
No matter where you're based, the online workshops and Figma Challenge are open to you. Take on the Challenge for the experience, or make it your shot at one of 51 spots at the Hackathon in Parsons this November.
Mix and match: every step is optional, so join whichever ones fit you.
01
Register for Free Workshops with Mentors
Open to everyone, no application needed. Remote on Zoom through October
01
Register for Free Workshops with Mentors
Open to everyone, no application needed. Remote on Zoom through October
02
Complete the Figma Challenge
A real NYC problem. Choose your track and complete the Figma Challenge.
01
Complete the Figma Challenge
A real NYC problem. Choose your track and complete the Figma Challenge.
03
Get Selected for the In-Person Hackathon
The Top 51 applications are selected for the hackathon at Parsons in November.
01
Get Selected for the In-Person Hackathon
The Top 51 applications are selected for the hackathon at Parsons in November.
3 Ways to Win
3 Ways to Win
3 Ways to Win
CASH PRIZE
Good ideas deserve more than applause.
Good ideas deserve more than applause.
Total prize pool
$30,000+
$30,000+
Cash Prize Pool
$15,000
Credits & Gifts
$10,000
Sponsored goodies
$5,000
3 Tracks. 1 Team.
THREE TRACKS
One brief. Three lenses.
Every team carries all three.
One brief. Three lenses.
Every team carries all three.
Every civic challenge needs more than one kind of thinking. Pick the track that matches how you work. Your team will bring the other two!
Every civic challenge needs more than one kind of thinking. Pick the track that matches how you work. Your team will bring the other two!
Real Impact
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Do the work you love, for a city that needs it.
Do the work you love, for a city that needs it.
Participating in this one-of-a-kind event allows you to do the work you love in service of something bigger. Throughout this process, you will network with other passionate creatives and learn from seasoned mentors through the remote training and fellowship phase.
Participating in this one-of-a-kind event allows you to do the work you love in service of something bigger. Throughout this process, you will network with other passionate creatives and learn from seasoned mentors through the remote training and fellowship phase.
Work with mentors and jurors from top companies in design and tech
Work with mentors and jurors from top companies in design and tech
Online
LEARN ABOUT FIGMA CHALLENGE
NYC is loud.
Your challenge: make it heard.
NYC is loud.
Your challenge: make it heard.
New Yorkers file about 610,000 noise complaints every year. It's the single most common complaint in the city, and most people who file one never find out what happened.
Your challenge: design a solution that finally gives New Yorkers closure. Choose your track, build it in Figma, and submit it as your application for one of 50 spots at the in-person Hackathon. Learn more in the application.
New Yorkers file about 610,000 noise complaints every year. It's the single most common complaint in the city, and most people who file one never find out what happened.
Your challenge: design a solution that finally gives New Yorkers closure. Choose your track, build it in Figma, and submit it as your application for one of 50 spots at the in-person Hackathon. Learn more in the application.
Hackathon 2026
Hackathon 2026
Hackathon 2026
TIMELINE
From open call to final pitch.
From open call to final pitch.
October 1
Open call for submission
Submissions are open October 1–October 23 for joining workshops, Figma Design Challenge and In-Person Hackathon consideration.
October 1
Open call for submission
Submissions are open October 1–October 23 for joining workshops, Figma Design Challenge and In-Person Hackathon consideration.
October 1
Open call for submission
Submissions are open October 1–October 23 for joining workshops, Figma Design Challenge and In-Person Hackathon consideration.
October 7, 5pm EST
Kick-off information session
A live intro to the challenge, the tracks, and how to make the most of the workshops and mentorship.
October 7, 5pm EST
Kick-off information session
A live intro to the challenge, the tracks, and how to make the most of the workshops and mentorship.
October
Online workshops with sponsors and mentors
Hands-on sessions with the sponsors and mentors backing this year's challenge.
October
Online workshops with sponsors and mentors
Hands-on sessions with the sponsors and mentors backing this year's challenge.
October
Online workshops with sponsors and mentors
Hands-on sessions with the sponsors and mentors backing this year's challenge.
October 23
Submission closes
Last call: get your Figma Challenge in before the window closes.
October 23
Submission closes
Last call: get your Figma Challenge in before the window closes.
October 30
Announcement: Accepted hackers
The Top 51 are selected and informed.
October 30
Announcement: Accepted hackers
The Top 51 are selected and informed.
October 30
Announcement: Accepted hackers
The Top 51 are selected and informed.
November 9
Final workshop for 51 participants
Last mentorship session before the in-person event.
November 9
Final workshop for 51 participants
Last mentorship session before the in-person event.
November 20
Hackers kickoff
10AM
Parsons School of Design
The Top 51 arrive at Parsons and the 24-hour build begins.
November 20
Hackers kickoff
10AM
Parsons School of Design
The Top 51 arrive at Parsons and the 24-hour build begins.
November 20
Hackers kickoff
10AM
Parsons School of Design
The Top 51 arrive at Parsons and the 24-hour build begins.
November 21
Panel, keynotes & final pitches
10AM-6PM
Parsons School of Design
A full day of panels and keynotes from the NYC leaders shaping AI and design, ending with final pitches, prizes and an awards ceremony. Free sponsor goodies and credits for everyone who comes.
Ticket registration opens October 19
November 21
Panel, keynotes & final pitches
10AM-6PM
Parsons School of Design
A full day of panels and keynotes from the NYC leaders shaping AI and design, ending with final pitches, prizes and an awards ceremony. Free sponsor goodies and credits for everyone who comes.
Ticket registration opens October 19
FAQS
Have questions?
Have questions?
Is the hackathon free?
Yes! The open call, remote training, and the in-person hackathon are free for all selected participants.
Who can apply?
Do I apply as an individual or a team?
What are the tracks and can I apply to more than one track?
What do I need to submit to apply?
Do I need coding experience?
Can I just attend the workshops?
How are teams formed?
Can international students participate?
What happens to my idea after the hackathon?
Is travel/accommodation provided?
How do I join the event as an audience?
I have more questions, who do I reach out to?
"AIGA is where designers find their people. As the professional association for design, we bring members together to advance design as a craft, a strategic advantage, and a cultural force."
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"AIGA is where designers find their people. As the professional association for design, we bring members together to advance design as a craft, a strategic advantage, and a cultural force."